Floor Statements

I move to lay that motion on the table.

The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.

Mr. President, at this moment we do want to honor the 2,500 Americans who have given their lives in Iraq, and their families. We ask all Senators to take their seats and offer that moment of silence.

Mr. President, I just came to the Chamber a few moments ago. I understand the pending amendment is the Kerry amendment, and although I have not reviewed it in its entirety, I see that it reads that the President----

Mr. President, I understand. I will speak to the Kerry amendment. I will read that amendment just so my colleagues will be clear what I am talking to. The amendment says:

The President shall reach an agreement as soon as possible

with the Government of Iraq on a schedule for the withdrawal

of United States combat troops from Iraq by December 31,

2006, leaving only forces that are critical to completing the

mission of standing up Iraqi security forces.

As I look at this amendment, as we evaluate it, I think the first thing we must do is say: What if we did cut and run? I know we hear that discussion of a rapid withdrawal. In many ways, I am glad this amendment has come to the floor, that it has been put on the floor by Senator Kerry. I think we do have to grasp what is at stake, and if we withdraw from Iraq----

I will shortly. Let me finish my statement because I think it is important to look at the issue that has been put on the floor. I will be very brief. Then we can do the parliamentary inquiries back and forth.

If we withdraw from Iraq before the Iraqi Government and the Iraqi people are capable of defending their new democracy, I am absolutely convinced that the terrorists would see this as a vindication, a vindication of their strategy of intimidation, of confrontation, and that they would take that vindication and continue to challenge us elsewhere in the world--in Afghanistan, in other countries in the region, overseas, and, indeed, right here at home. If we were to cut and run, the violence in Iraq would certainly increase.

We know there is violence there, and we know how tough it is on our troops who are there and the American people who watch this violence. But I am absolutely convinced that if we cut and run, violence will increase in Iraq, terrorists will increase their attacks on the Iraqi people and on that brandnew Iraqi Government. Clearly, it has only been 5 days. Clearly, the Government itself is not able, completely alone, to defend itself. Chaos would result. Bloody civil war would result. Terrorists and rival militia would tear the country apart. They would kill thousands of innocent Iraqis, and that terrorism would spread through that region, around the world, and, indeed, I believe right here at home.

The unity of Iraq that we celebrated on this floor, the unity of Iraq that has resulted from a democratically elected government through three elections, would be destroyed, would be torn apart; sectarian violence would ensue and would explode. It would split the country apart into segments that, yes, probably would be controlled, but they would be controlled by terrorists, ethnic militias, tribal militias. I am convinced parts of Iraq would become safe havens for terrorists who have spelled out--and we think of the letters and the words of Zarqawi--who have spelled out what their intentions are in terms of us here, right here in the United States.

I believe terrorist bases in Iraq would threaten Middle East security. Although it may be a secondary issue, we do know that energy supplies ultimately would be disrupted. We have seen supply go down, demand go up, and a disruption of energy sources all over the country. Indeed, I believe it would result in a skyrocketing of gas prices in this country.

The terrorists affiliated with bin Laden and Zarqawi have stated in crystal clear terms what their objectives are, their aim of overthrowing moderate governments.

Given the presence in Iraq of many of Saddam Hussein's former weapons scientists--remember Saddam Hussein? Forget about weapons of mass destruction right now, but we actually know that Saddam Hussein and his scientists have developed weapons of mass destruction, chemical and biological weapons, and he has used both of those on his own people. Those scientists are still around. If we cut and run, I believe those scientists once again will pursue and will have the freedom to pursue those weapons of mass destruction: saran gas, anthrax, biological weapons.

President Bush has repeatedly stated that the potential combination of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction does pose the greatest threats to the United States. I believe cutting and running would allow those weapons of mass destruction and that terrorism intent to come back together, to endanger the people of the region but also the people right here in the United States of America.

In some ways, I am glad this amendment has come to the floor, this modification of the amendment. It is clear that those calling for an early withdrawal of American troops from Iraq failed to fully play out, to fully understand the potential implications of

leaving prematurely. Cutting and running before Iraq can really defend itself threatens the American people.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H. Con. Res. 409, which was received from the House.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the amendment to the preamble be agreed to, the preamble as amended be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that statements relating to the resolution be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the HELP Committee be discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 482, and that the Senate then proceed to its consideration.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating thereto be printed in the Record as if read, without further intervening action or debate.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate immediately proceed to executive session to consider the following nominations on today's Executive Calendar: Calendar Nos. 706, 707, 708, 709, 710, and 712. I further ask unanimous consent that the nominations be confirmed, en bloc, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action, and the Senate then return to legislative session.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand in adjournment until 9:30 a.m. on Friday, June 16. I further ask that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved, and the Senate then proceed to a period for the transaction of morning business until 10:45 a.m., with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each; further, that following morning business, the Senate resume consideration of S. 2766, the Defense authorization bill.

Mr. President, today we sent the emergency supplemental appropriations conference report to the President with a 98-to-1 vote. We also made some progress on the Defense authorization bill, and we will continue on that bill tomorrow. Chairman Warner and Senator Levin will be here tomorrow. However, we will not have any rollcall votes during Friday's session. Senators should be reminded that there is a rollcall vote scheduled for Monday's session at 5:30 p.m. on a U.S. circuit judge, and there may be additional votes Monday evening on amendments to the Defense bill.

Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment under the previous order.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the following letter be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, today I have the pleasure of announcing that the Senator from South Carolina, Mr. DeMint, is the latest recipient of the Senate's Golden Gavel Award, having completed 100 hours of presiding over the Senate at 2:15 this afternoon.

The Golden Gavel Award has long served as a symbol of appreciation for the time that Senators contribute to presiding over the Senate--a privileged and important duty. Since the 1960s, Senators who preside for 100 hours have been recognized with this coveted award. Most Members recognize that sitting in that chair is the best way to learn Senate procedure, and Senator DeMint has done so with excellence, especially on those late nights when we were in dire need of help for the Chair.

On behalf of the Senate, I extend our sincere appreciation to Senator DeMint for presiding during the 109th Congress.

Mr. President, this morning we have a period of morning business for up to 60 minutes. At the conclusion of morning business, we will return to consideration of the Defense authorization bill. Last night, the chairman called up an amendment that I sponsored along with the Democratic leader, the chairman, and the ranking member. The amendment commends our Armed Forces for the recent events around the Zarqawi death. A vote will occur on that amendment at 12:15 today.

Following that vote, we will recess for our weekly policy luncheons. At 2:15, following the policy meetings, Senators should be seated at their desks for the official photograph of the 109th Congress. Immediately following the picture, there will be a briefing for all Senators, beginning at 2:30, and that briefing will be by Secretary Rice and Secretary Rumsfeld. We will remain in session during that briefing to allow debate on the Mine Safety and Health nomination that we filed cloture on last week. That cloture vote is expected to occur around 3:30 if all debate time is used.

Senators should also be aware that the House is expected to complete their work on the emergency supplemental conference report today. We expect to turn to the supplemental this afternoon when that measure arrives.

Mr. President, later this morning, as I mentioned, the Senate will be voting on an amendment to commend the men and women of our Armed Forces for their bravery and skill which led to the death of Zarqawi, who was anointed by Osama bin Laden as the Prince of al-Qaida in Iraq.

Al-Zarqawi was a brutal terrorist and, as we all know, the operational commander of al-Qaida in Iraq. His vicious campaigns of suicide attacks, car bombings, beheadings, assassinations, and abductions was directly responsible for the deaths of many American and coalition troops and thousands of Iraqi security forces and innocent citizens.

He was violently opposed to the new Iraqi democracy and sought to turn Iraq into a safe haven for al-Qaida terrorists.

To achieve this goal, he murdered thousands of innocent Iraqi civilians. He sought to divide the Iraqi people by fomenting sectarian violence and inciting a civil war. His goal was destruction, and he brought only violence and despair. But, finally, after 3 years of eluding capture, justice was brought to Zarqawi.

At approximately 6:15 Baghdad time last Wednesday evening, American forces, acting on intelligence tips from the Iraqi people, attacked Zarqawi's safe house near the city of Baqouba, northeast of Baghdad.

Zarqawi's spiritual adviser and several of their associates were also inside. Less than an hour later, the leading terrorist and No. 1 enemy of freedom in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, was dead.

This is a severe blow for al-Qaida and the terrorist enemy in Iraq. And it marks yet another victory in the global war on terror.

The amendment I offered yesterday, along with a number of my colleagues, commends the courageous men and women of the U.S. military for their

extraordinary efforts to eliminate this brutal terrorist, and for their commitment to helping secure a free, prosperous, and secure future for the Iraqi people.

It also applauds the efforts of our coalition partners and the Iraqi Security Forces who contributed to this achievement.

Iraqi security recruits had long been one of Zarqawi's primary targets. Despite repeated attacks against hopeful, young recruits, these brave Iraqis kept coming back. They have shown time and time again they are eager to assume their responsibilities and do what it takes to defend their democracy.

The Iraqi public is also deserving of recognition. They defied Zarqawi's threats and streamed to the polls in three national elections. Against the threat of violence, they formed a permanent democratic government.

In recent months, coalition forces have also received a tremendous increase in intelligence tips on the activities and whereabouts of terrorists directly from the Iraqi people. The number of actionable intelligence tips from the Iraqi population numbered only 483 in March of 2005. Since November of that year, the number of tips has skyrocketed to over 4,000 a month.

The Iraqi people want peace. They want to defeat the terrorist enemy that uses them as human shields. They want to defend their country from chaos and terror.

And so, Zarqawi has met his fate. But the fight to secure a free and democratic Iraq continues. The terrorists in Iraq will continue to wreak havoc and destruction. But they will not succeed. They cannot succeed. American forces, alongside our coalition partners and the Iraqi security forces, will remain on the offensive until the terrorist enemy is defeated.

My Senate colleagues and I are filled with pride at the bravery, skill, and valor of our soldiers on the front line. We are grateful for their service, and we congratulate them for last week's successful mission to rid Iraq of its No. 1 terrorist.

Our resolution also commends our Nation's civilian and military leadership, which includes President Bush and Defense Secretary Rumsfeld, for their continuing efforts to eliminate the leadership of al-Qaida in Iraq.

Prime Minister Maliki and the new democratically elected Government deserve our gratitude and commendation.

Here in the Senate, we will continue to support our men and women in uniform, the democratically elected Government of Iraq, and the Iraqi people as they strive for a free, prosperous, and democratic future.

Mr. President, this Sunday marked the 10th anniversary of Senator Robert Dole's retirement from the U.S. Senate. From humble beginnings on the plains of western Kansas, Bob Dole has risen to become one of our most accomplished and respected public figures of the 20th century.

Bob Dole arrived in Congress in 1960 as a representative of the Sixth District of Kansas. He was immediately chosen by his fellow freshman colleagues to lead the freshman class. His ability to lead and inspire, his dry wit and savvy, would characterize his ascent to the peaks of political life.

Bob Dole was reelected for three more terms before being elected to the Senate in 1968.

In 1971, Senator Dole was chosen to lead the Republican National Committee, a position he held for 2 years.

It was a tumultuous time for America. His steady hand earned him the Vice Presidential nomination alongside Gerald Ford in the 1976 election. Jimmy Carter won. But that didn't hinder Senator Dole's steady climb.

Over the next decade, Senator Dole moved up through the leadership ranks, and in 1984, he was elected to succeed Senator Howard Baker as majority leader. While Democrats regained control of the Senate in 1986, Senator Dole continued to lead his party as minority leader. In 1994, Republicans swept Congress, and Senator Dole was once again elected majority leader. His 12 years as the leader of his party in the Senate set a record, and made him the longest serving Senate leader of the Republican Party since its founding in 1854.

I learned a lot from Leader Dole during my first few years here. We saw eye to eye on most issues, but when we didn't, he always encouraged me to vote my conscience.

He respected my commitment to family, and with three young sons, he was always careful to ensure that the schedule wouldn't run over my time with my wife and children.

And he took the time to listen to all colleagues. While many remember his famous admonition, in meeting after meeting, to ``work it out,'' what fewer recall is that he would pursue votes, and ideas, and solutions over and over and over to lead to the point where, indeed, we could ``work it out.''

Our Senate party was in good hands under his stewardship. He was a good partner for President Reagan, and President Bush. And the respect President Clinton paid him was impressive, even across party lines.

I was proud to begin to know him during my early years here. His portrait hangs on the wall in my conference room, making him part of our leadership meetings every week I have often thought about what he might do when challenging situations arise around here.

And as much, I have often wondered what quip he might have offered to break the tension at a tough moment.

With my leadership team, we have made some tough calls under his watchful gaze. In 1996, Senator Dole was chosen by the party to run as its Presidential nominee. It was the capstone to a remarkable career.

World War II hero, dedicated public servant, master of the Senate, and champion of the conservative cause, Senator Dole has stamped his place in American political history. Although he has left office, the elder statesman has in no way retired. He has authored two best-selling books on political humor, and a personal memoir of his life as a soldier. He is invited to speak all over the world to offer his wit and keen insights into the issues of our time. President Reagan once said of Senator Dole, ``His title of Leader is not just a job title, it's a description of the man.'' This plain-spoken, honest and humble man from Russell, KS, is the genuine article.

One of the brightest stars of the Greatest Generation, Senator Dole served his country with bravery and dedication. He has earned the affection and respect of his fellow citizens. And he will always be remembered for his humor, his leadership, graciousness and humility-- and for the honor he has brought to political life.

Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the scheduled recess today be extended until 3:30 p.m.; further that the cloture vote on the nomination of Richard Stickler be vitiated and that at 3:30 p.m. the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R. 4939, the emergency supplemental appropriations bill.

Mr. President, the discussion among the Democratic leadership and Republican leadership was, indeed, that we vitiate the vote today and that at a time that is mutually agreed upon this vote will come back to this body.

Prior. That is the understanding. And the discussion was-- I have had absolutely no conversations with the administration about a recess appointment----

But if there were to be such a recess appointment, that then this vote could come back, would come back at that time.

Mr. President, today, we are opening with a period of morning business to allow Senators to make statements. At 3 this afternoon we will begin consideration of the Department of Defense authorization bill. Chairman Warner will be here at 3 to begin debate on this important measure. Later this afternoon, following the opening remarks of the ranking member, we expect our first amendment to be offered. Although we have stated that no votes will occur today, we hope to debate an amendment and then set a vote at a time certain tomorrow morning.

Tomorrow morning we have set aside another period of morning business. Following that time, we will return to the Defense bill with the expectation of a rollcall vote prior to the policy meetings.

I remind my colleagues that we have scheduled our official Chamber photograph for 2:15 tomorrow afternoon, and Senators should be seated at their desks at that time.

Following the photograph, we have debate on the nomination of Richard Stickler to be Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health. A cloture vote will occur on that nomination around 3:30 or so on Tuesday.

I also announce that the House will take action on the supplemental appropriations conference report Tuesday, and, therefore, we expect to begin consideration of that measure on Tuesday as well. We will try to reach an agreement for debate and a time certain for a vote on that emergency spending bill.